Pfiffner Traverse FKT Kit - Benji Wiederkehr

My complete kit for setting the FKT on the Pfiffner Traverse, a 80-mile off-trail route through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado in 29:23 hours.

Products in this list

Norvan Jacket by Arc'teryx — I’m using an older version of this hoodie with the GORE-TEX membrane on the outside. It’s simply fantastic: bulletproof, packable, superlight.
Norvan Downword Logo Shirt SS Men's by Arc'teryx — I’m using an earlier, discontinued shirt, called the Motus short-sleeve shirt, but I assume these two are fairly comparable.
A60 Hoodie by Senchi Designs — When expecting temperatures below freezing, I layer a Alpha Direct 60 hoodie between my baselayer and my outershell (wind or rain hoodie). Breathable, hydrophobic, ultralight insulation.
Montane Unisex Minimus Nano Pull Over Waterproof Pants by Montane — The lightest waterproof pants around with a large enough zipper to put or take off without taking your shoes off.
Sykes PX by PATH Projects — My all-time favorite running shorts with the perfect storage capacity and configuration (three zipper pockets and one internal key pocket).
Multi-Sport Mesh by SAXX — IYKYK
Salomon S/LAB GENESIS 2 by Salomon — I’m using an earlier version of the S/LAB Genesis, but the new version seems very comparable.
INSTAgaiter® by Kahtoola — Gaiters are a great addition for off-trail routes with scree fields or bushwacking to keep debris out of my shoes.
Men's Run Quarter Cushioned Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks by Darn Tough
The Run Compression Calf Sleeves 4.0 by CEP
Core Run Ultralight Compression Arm Sleeves by CEP
Merino Lightweight Beanie by Buff — I’m using an earlier, discontinued version with a slightly different material, but the use case is the same: keeping my head warm in wet, windy, and cold conditions.
Merino Lightweight Neckwear by Buff — I’m using an earlier, discontinued version with a slightly different material, but the use case is the same: keeping my neck or head warm in wet, windy, and cold conditions.
Arc'teryx Fission SV Mittens by Arc'teryx — I’m using these warm, windproof, waterproof mittens if I expect to encounter very wet, cold, and windy conditions. They rob me of all my dexterity when wearing them, but they get me through hours of bad weather.
The Original® Covert by Tactical Gloves — These are my favorite gloves on adventures with extended scrambling and bushwacking. While not ideal for technical climbing, they protect my hands from sharp edges, thorns, briars, etc. When paired with a liner glove, they are even surprisingly warm as a robust outer shell.
GOCap by Ciele Athletics — I’m using an earlier, discontinued version, called the ALZ cap, but they seem very comparable to the new, smaller version of the Go cap.
Distance 22 Backpack by Black Diamond — Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml water flasks or a reservoir for 12–36 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
LF 2L by Raide Research — Fits essentials, calories, and one 500ml flask for 2–4 hours of high-alpine mountain running in fair conditions.
Distance Z Running Poles by Black Diamond
Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 by Fenix — If I plan to run extended sections of a route without daylight, I bring this headlamp as my primary light source. The light source and battery life are excellent and the headband is very comfortable. The Boa-like system make micro adjustments quick and easy.
Lumen 600 5.0 Waist Light by UltrAspire — I use a waist light in addition to a headlamp when I go through an entire night. I feel like this light is easier on the eyes, provides a wider light cone, and better depth perception on technical trails or off-trail. The 600 is strong enough and has enough battery life for a full night.
inReach® Mini 2 by Garmin — I always carry my inReach Mini to share my location with my family and to send an SOS message if something goes wrong. I’m still using version 2 instead of 3, because it has all the features I need and it’s slightly lighter.
COROS APEX 2 Pro by COROS
Oslo Sunglasses by Roka
Force™ 3L by HydraPak — The 3L reservoir keeps me (modestly) hydrated for 12-15 hours in regular 3-season weather in the Colorado Rockies. If I get a chance to refill the reservoir, I’m using the in-line filter by Hydropak.
Soft Flask with Locking Cap 20oz by Nathan Sports — I’ve used two of these soft flasks to increase my total water carrying capacity on top of the 3L reservoire.
UltraFlask™+ Filter Cap by HydraPak — I try to treat my water from natural sources in almost all areas that I’m exploring. These filters are simple and quick to use with minimal added weight to a regular soft flask.
SOL Escape Lite Bivy by SOL — I bring the SOL bivy instead of the blanket if the chances are high that I might need a dirt nap in cold or wet conditions. The bivy does a great job at keeping you warm even without an insulation layer.